(Silver Spring, MD) - Military Channel's series GREAT PLANES refuels and reboots with its third season and an all-new approach to some of history's most influential and innovative aircraft. Brand-new episodes highlight the spectacular planes that were designed for the greatest of missions. From strategic bombers and military jets to research aircraft and supersonic fighters, each episode features stories of the legendary aircraft that have become the most powerful weapons of our time. Hosted by retired Navy fighter pilot Terry Deitz, GREAT PLANES guides viewers through the groundbreaking designs that led to major advancements in future aviation technology including the AV-8 Harrier, C-130 Hercules and A-10 Thunderbolt. GREAT PLANES' third season premieres with the B-29 Superfortress on Wednesday, April 25 at 10 PM E/P on the Military Channel.

"We are so excited to continue to highlight the incredible combat aircraft that epitomize innovation, ingenuity and invention with the third season of GREAT PLANES. Their contributions to current flight technology are immeasurable," said Ed Hersh, senior vice president of content strategy for the Military Channel. "We are also thrilled to bring on Terry Deitz as host, whose breadth of knowledge and experience as a retired Navy fighter pilot will add a substantial amount of energy and acumen to GREAT PLANES."

Terry Deitz, who is currently a pilot for a major U.S. airline, joins GREAT PLANES as host, providing expert analysis of the remarkable technical features and revolutionary tactics that advanced aerial combat. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and Naval Flight School, Deitz earned his Wings of Gold in 1986. During his service, Deitz amassed more than 340 arrested landings, with 112 of them coming at night. Upon leaving active service in 1992, the former fighter pilot entered the Navy Reserve and was hired as a commercial aviator. In April 2001, Deitz retired from the Navy Reserve and, in 2006, he was chosen to participate in the 12th season of CBS' hit reality show, "Survivor," ultimately placing third.

The first three episodes of GREAT PLANES' ten-episode third season includes such fearless flyers as:

B-29 Superfortress - World Premiere Wednesday, April 25 at 10 PM E/P

The B-29 Superfortress, a four-engine propeller-driven heavy bomber, was designed by Boeing and mostly flown by the United States Air Force in late-World War II and through the Korean War. It is best remembered for its primary role in the atomic bombings that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

C-130 Hercules - World Premiere Wednesday, May 2 at 10 PM E/P

The C-130 Hercules is one of the most versatile aircraft in existence. It has been used in a variety of roles including, but not limited to, airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol, and aerial firefighting.

AV-8 Harrier - World Premiere Wednesday, May 9 at 10 PM E/P

Known as the world's first vertical takeoff and landing fixed-wing aircraft, the AV-8 Harrier is the first jet to have hovering capabilities. This plane is designed perfectly for battle and has become a key aircraft in protecting the United States during times of war.

GREAT PLANES is produced by M2 Pictures for the Military Channel. For M2 Pictures, Mike Sinclair is executive producer. For Military Channel, Shane Bowler is producer, Sara Kozak is senior vice president of production, Ed Hersh is senior vice president of content strategy, and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.

About Military Channel

The Military Channel brings viewers compelling, real-world stories of valor, heroism, and strength displayed during significant turning points of history. Currently available in more than 60 million homes, the network takes viewers "behind the lines" to celebrate the personal stories of servicemen and women who defend freedom across the globe. As the only cable network devoted to the armed forces, the Military Channel incorporates the best cutting-edge CGI animation and never-before-seen footage to offer in-depth explorations of military techniques, aviation technology and cutting-edge weaponry. For more information, please visit Military.Discovery.com, facebook.com/Military, or twitter.com/MilitaryChannel. Military Channel is part of Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world?s #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 210 countries and territories.